Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne M. Smith-nochasak
Hi Anne M., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Reading and storytelling have always been important to me. As a teacher, I enjoyed teaching writing, and creating short plays and stories featuring my students. For a while, I attempted novel writing, and although it was my dream, I let it slide away. About twenty years ago, I started penning the stories of an older woman reflecting on her life and family and trying to make sense of her place in the world. At this time, I began writing with a purpose and intensity that I had lacked before, and out of these ramblings, my first novel began to take shape. When agents cautioned me that I had a good story, but one lacking sales potential, I set the project aside.
Then, I discovered self-publishing, and using the services of FriesenPress, I brought A CANOER OF SHORELINES into the world. It was a gentle story with a beautiful design, but the agents, it seemed, were right. Sales were humble, but those who read it were supportive. I began to understand that I had a niche market, and a very delightful one.
I visited farmers markets, craft fairs, and book fairs, in sheer terror at first, but with increasing confidence. I fumbled with social media, cringing as my entries disappeared into the void, clumsily supporting others while fearing I was just annoying them. Incrementally, I began to establish myself, but in truth, I will never be one of the movers and shakers of social media.
My second novel was drafted while I was producing my first, and by the time this novel (THE ICE WIDOW) was released, I had a small but generous following who cheered me on. I continued to develop my face-to-face market presence, and to some extent, raised my social media profile.
Books do not sell themselves. I have learned to mask my imposter syndrome tendencies and forge ahead. I post for self and others, not to the extent that some do, but to a satisfying level. I organize my market attendance, and strive to make each visit worthwhile.
I have grown to realize that “selling books” is a very small part of what we do to bring our books to readers. Building a relationship with our audience (currently by gathering feedback on my cover as I prepare to produce my third novel), listening (as one artisan vendor urged me) to their stories, not just telling my own, reviewing the work of fellow creatives — not because it will make them obligated to support me, or to build my name, but because writers form a community, and we look out for one another. The generous support of author Eve Koguce, the opportunities provided by author P. L. Stuart and author Allan Hudson, and the dialogue and marketing collaboration with author A-M Mawhiney are excellent examples that spring to mind. And there are many more. As RIVER FACES NORTH prepares to come into the world, I realize that my book is entering a community that has carried me — online and at the markets — into the life of an independent author.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been challenging in many ways. I struggle with imposter syndrome, and always feel that I am a bit of a joke as I hop from market to market, lugging my gear. Surely, they think of me as an amusing pet, like a dog eagerly walking on its hind legs, so sure it is doing something clever that pleases them. If I step back and study the situation, I see that their support is GENUINE. I have a place in their world, as they have in mine. My writing is real; my journey is real. They really do “have my back.”
When the vendor beside me is selling loaf after loaf of bread while my book is returned yet again to the pile, I feel anxiety. I must then remind myself that people do not buy another copy of a book when they finish reading it, as they would buy more bread. Also, if my neighbour has loaves of bread left, they cannot bring those same loaves back next week. I can. Bread is a staple; books are a luxury. I need to build my market incrementally, with respect for people’s needs and wants. I can supply information and ideas; I can provide small items that can be brought home to share or carried while traveling — like the small reflective cards containing excerpts from my nature blogs that I now provide. The important thing is to focus on sharing stories with as many people as I can; I am building a market that will hopefully delight many more people as momentum builds.
Patience is important. My first novel is often selected now, but believe me, I went home many times feeling discouraged as my journey began. It takes time to build a name. And it takes time and effort to grow as a writer, to write books that speak to the reader.
A challenge now is finding time to write. Initial marketing is expensive and time consuming. Entering contests, too, is costly. Materials like bookmarks, cards, posters — all take ink, good paper, and display stands. My decision to return to work to offset production costs and advertising was not an easy one. I was already busy, but as they say, if you want something done, ask a busy person. I get more done, in less time, rediscovering focus in my alleged old age.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am living my writing dream, and I have been told it must be nice to be able to sit around writing books. I quite agree! It must be nice! I hope to do that sometime. My writing dream has taken shape more as a business dream — I do devote time each day to writing, but production, conferencing with FriesenPress on editing, layout, and all aspects of design is time consuming. Promotions can be bewildering — We do not actually sit in our writing lofts waiting to be discovered; we are instead researching and entering reputable contests, designing marketing materials, seeking out events and marketing venues and applying for these, visiting bookstores, building online presence, and much more,
I would say my marketing stance sets me apart. I tend to travel the smaller markets in the region, especially during summer and late fall. Sometimes my work is well-received; sometimes my booth receives very little attention. On those days, I look for the “hidden” sales: Was there activity on my website? Did they ask for a card for a friend or relative who loves this kind of book? Are they excited about books? What about the person who wants me to come to their book club, or says I might enjoy the informal readings they do? There are always signs of growth; it is up to me to recognize these. I enjoy this journey, and each experience and encounter brings something positive.
Yes, this is a business. But the books I write embrace love and acceptance. So mine must by definition be a joyful and accepting business. When I write, I express truth. Truth does not always bring cash, but it sure brings riches.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I would suggest investing in a reference text or online resource for bookkeeping. Since I took a course in small business bookkeeping, I could set up relevant tracking information. Consistent, up-to-date bookkeeping not only helps us track sales and expenses for tax time, it can be a great motivator. (Where am I selling or receiving strong interest? What was I doing then? How can I apply that in this other place, where I have low response?)
Avery.com has been a highly useful resource for developing materials like bookmarks, business cards, or note cards based on my writing. They have self-printing options and offer professional printing services as well.
Canva is a resource I am starting to use to create more meaningful displays. My work there is in its formative stages at present, but it does look exciting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.acanoerofshorelines.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithnochasak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmithNochasak
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmithNochasak
Image Credits
All photos taken by me, including those of me (taken using tripod and time delay)